PH must face political realities, acknowledge shortcomings, say analysts
Analysts suggest that Malaysia's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition must stop blaming identity politics for election losses and instead address grassroots concerns like the cost of living. The coalition is urged to move past defensive narratives and focus on tangible economic solutions.
Why it matters
It reflects the challenges faced by governing coalitions in balancing identity-based political landscapes with the practical economic needs of the electorate.
Analyst Syaza Shukri said PH needs to listen once again to its grassroots, citing a 'gap between the parties and supporters'.
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) must learn to come to terms with the political realities and acknowledge its shortcomings, an analyst says following the coalition’s loss in the Negeri Sembilan election.
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri.
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said PH had a tendency not to look into the mirror whenever it was defeated at the polls.
PH blamed its defeat on Saturday on the exploitation of identity politics by its rivals.
But Zaharuddin said such explanations had been recycled so often that they had "lost credibility", adding that identity politics was not a new phenomenon.
"It has been part and parcel of Malaysia’s political landscape for decades.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in